Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Contract negotiations have continued over the past two weeks, with primary discussion focused on economic issues, and additional discussion on topics arising from the merger of United and Continental Airlines.
- ECONOMIC ISSUES
Our position does not change on economic issues.
We are fighting for wage and benefit improvements.
We are fighting for recognition for sacrifices made by our Members made during company-engineered bankruptcy.
We are fighting for credit for the current success of United.
We are fighting for credit for their improved standing within the industry.
It’s fair. You know it. We know it. Even the company knows it.
United is well on its way to becoming the world’s largest airline. As the combined United-Continental progress towards the front of the line of world airlines, our Members expect to take their place as the leaders in compensation and security.
- MERGER ISSUES
Comparing and contrasting the two carriers approaches to the same issues are part of negotiation.
This past week’s approval by the European Union of United-Continental’s proposed international operations brings closer to reality the legal requirements of the United-Continental merger.
With that, discussions over job protection and seniority usage become part of the conversation.
Also part of those talks are the differences between the IAM’s contract with United and “contract-like” policies at Continental. Vacation accrual and usage, holidays, and overtime are included in these talks.
- WHAT’S NEXT
Negotiations will continue this week.
We are not scheduled to meet the following week, but will resume the last week of the month with Mediator Tony Iannone in attendance.
- SECOND MERGER SUMMIT MEETING
District 141 will hold its second series of Merger Summit meetings during the first week of September at the Winpisinger Center in Placid Harbor, Maryland. Preparations are underway now. In the Merger Summit meetings, we will continue the work started last month.
The upcoming merger meeting will follow up specifically on training, planning, and communication with Members.
Goals set by the Merger Team in July will be reviewed. We will compare accomplishments with goals. Following that, we will set an agenda for the months ahead.
The point of all this is to define steps which protect Members during and after the proposed United-Continental merger. The company has outlined a long term plan for completion of this merger aimed at serving business interests; We are establishing a similar time line that serves Member’s interests.
- INDUSTRY AND OTHER UNIONS
American Airlines Mechanic and Related, and American Storekeepers are currently voting on a tentative agreement. Voting is being conducted by the American Arbitration Association, and is being done by mail. Eligible members of the Transportation Workers Union, TWU, will have until August 24th to vote to ratify or reject the contract offer. If ratified, the contract provides for both wage increases and lump sum payments, additional holidays, and limitations on the future expansion of American Eagle operations.
The TWU also announced that a tentative agreement on behalf of TWU-represented employees at American Eagle was reached last week. That tentative agreement includes hourly rate wage increases and lump sum payments, and is believed to keep TWU members competitive with other regional airlines including SkyWest. Voting on this offer is not expected until mid-September.
Negotiations continue between American and the TWU for an agreement for the Ramp Service work group. A previously announced agreement was withdrawn by the TWU prior to a membership vote.